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Guthrie played with the W-League predecessor to Sky Blue FC in 2007 (Photo courtesy of Sky Blue FC).

Goalkeeper Erin Guthrie Inks Deal with Sky Blue FC

Former Rutgers University goalkeeper Erin Guthrie has inked a deal with Sky Blue FC of Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS), the team formally announced on Thursday. The Sparta native returns to the Garden State after spending the 2010 WPS season with FC Gold Pride, winning a league title in what was her rookie campaign.

“We are very happy to have Erin join our roster,” Sky Blue FC head coach Jim Gabarra stated. “We have had her on our radar for a while, being that she is a local player who also has a year of experience with FC Gold Pride.”

Injuries forced Sky Blue FC to use four different goalkeepers over the 2010 season, which stresses the importance of depth at the position. Gabarra also experienced similar troubles last year when he served as head coach of the Washington Freedom, which played five different netminders during the course of the season (including veteran defender Cat Whitehill finishing a match when starter Erin McLeod was hurt, and the team had no substitutions remaining).

“In previous seasons, this club and the club I came from suffered some unfortunate goalkeeper injuries, so to add a quality player like Erin is very important for us,” Gabarra remarked. “Not only is she a young goalkeeper who is going to push those in front of her, but she also has the experience to be ready if called upon. I think we have a really good group in the back now in goal, and we are looking forward to getting started with all of them here.”

A two-time captain during her time at Rutgers University, Guthrie is the all-time leader for the Scarlet Knights with a record 44 shutouts. Her 2009 senior season was full of accolades, being named the Big East Goalkeeper of the Year, receiving a second consecutive All-Big East selection, as well as seeing her name as a finalist for the MAC Hermann Trophy.

“Erin is a very talented player who has a lot of quality,” assistant coach Rick Stainton said. “The first and most obvious thing she brings to us is experience in WPS, coming from a championship team and being in an environment that was very productive in its training. She also has a lot of local flavor in being a former Rutgers standout, so Yurcak Field is home to her.”

While playing college soccer, Guthrie also spent time with Jersey Sky Blue, which is the USL W-League predecessor to Sky Blue FC. Team President Thomas Hofstetter spoke about her once again suiting up for the club.

“I am happy to see Erin returning to our team after having played a great season for us previously in the USL W-League,” he commented. “She is one of the players who helped build our foundation as an organization, and I know she will once again be an asset to us.”

Prior to heading to Piscataway, Guthrie had a standout career at Pope John XXIII High School in Sparta. She posted a total of 49 clean slates during high school, including 13 during her senior campaign. After leading the Lions to a conference championship that season, Guthrie was named First Team All-State by the Associated Press, as well as receiving West Jersey Player of the Year honors from the Star Ledger.